Soft Shell vs Hard Shell Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Often considered one of the most effective treatments for a variety of health conditions, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) has gained traction for its potential to improve wellness, speed up recovery, and support the healing processes.

However, many people are unaware that HBOT is delivered through different types of chambers, each offering a different experience and therapeutic advantages.

In this blog, we’ll look at the two main types of hyperbaric chambers – hard-shell and soft-shell – comparing their design, pressure capabilities, user comfort, and suitability for different health conditions.

Understanding these differences will help you make an informed decision about which chamber best suits your needs, whether you're looking for general wellness benefits or seeking treatment for a more specific medical condition.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

The number of medical facilities providing hyperbaric oxygen therapy has increased over the past fifty years. As of 2022, more than 1,000 hospitals in the United States offer hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Initially, hyperbaric oxygen therapy was available only in a small number of specialised facilities. However, as awareness of its therapeutic benefits grew, its use spread throughout the healthcare sector. What was once considered a niche treatment has now become a valuable tool in both hospital settings and outpatient clinics.

The FDA has approved HBOT for several medical conditions, including chronic wounds, carbon monoxide poisoning, decompression sickness, and certain infections. And while the term Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is becoming more familiar, many people are unaware of the different ways this treatment can be administered. The two main types are hard-shell and soft-shell chambers, each providing varying levels of treatment.

Soft Shell Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

1. Design and Structure

Soft shell chambers are typically made from durable, flexible materials such as nylon or vinyl. These chambers are often portable, lightweight, and can be easily assembled in various locations. Their design is akin to a large, inflatable sleeping bag or tunnel, offering you a comfortable space to relax during your session.

2. Pressure Levels and Suitability

Soft shell chambers use a lower pressure of 1.3 ATA, above normal sea level. That’s much gentler than the pressure you’d find in hard shell chambers, making them perfect for general wellness, mild therapy, and anyone after a more budget-friendly, accessible option. They’re great for improving energy and skin health, easing stress, and supporting muscle recovery.

3. Cost and Accessibility

One of the biggest advantages of soft shell chambers is their cost-effectiveness. These chambers are more affordable to purchase and install than hard-shell chambers. As a result, they are available for personal use, wellness centres, and even some medical clinics.

You can use soft shell chambers for home treatments, offering a convenient way to access HBOT without the need for a clinical visit. The ease of setup and portability also make them a popular option if you have limited space or need to move the chamber between different locations.

4. User Experience and Comfort

Soft shell chambers are known for their comfort. The inflatable nature of these chambers means they can provide more flexibility, making the experience more relaxing. The inside of the chamber is roomy enough to keep you comfy during your session.

A lot of soft shell chambers even come with extras like cushioned mats, pillows, or a TV to keep you entertained while you relax. The lower pressure in a soft shell chamber feels gentler compared to hard shell ones, which makes it a great starting point for anyone new to HBOT.

Hard Shell Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

1. Design and Structure

Hard shell chambers are built from tough materials like steel or aluminium, giving them a solid, room-like feel. They’re not inflatable like soft shell versions—instead, they’re designed to be durable and handle much higher pressure levels.

You usually enter through a sealed, airtight door, like stepping into a small pod or capsule. These chambers are bigger and sturdier, offering a more clinical setup. Inside, you’ll often find comfy seating, advanced monitoring systems, and sometimes even a TV to help pass the time during longer sessions.

2. Pressure Levels and Suitability

Hard shell chambers can achieve much higher pressure levels. This higher pressure allows them to treat a wider range of medical conditions, such as:

• Decompression sickness: Commonly seen in divers, requiring higher pressures for effective treatment.
• Carbon monoxide poisoning: Higher pressures help displace carbon monoxide from haemoglobin in the blood.
• Chronic wounds and infections: Increased pressure and oxygen saturation stimulate healing in slow-recovering tissues.

The ability to deliver higher pressures makes hard shell chambers the preferred choice for treating serious medical conditions. They are found in hospitals, clinics, and other professional healthcare settings.

3. Cost and Accessibility

Hard shell chambers tend to be more expensive than soft shell ones. You’ll mostly find them in clinical or hospital settings, and they're not as common for personal use at home.

For those needing advanced therapy for serious medical conditions, hard shell chambers are the go-to choice. But, because they’re bigger and pricier, they’re less practical for everyday wellness use or home setups.

4. User Experience and Comfort

While hard shell chambers provide more intense therapeutic benefits, the experience can be less comfortable compared to soft shell chambers. The smaller, enclosed space, along with the higher pressure, might feel a little intimidating or restrictive.

You also need to stay still during sessions to avoid moving equipment or causing discomfort. The pressure changes in hard shell chambers can be more noticeable, leading to ear popping, sinus pressure, or other discomforts as the chamber adjusts. But for patients who need critical care, the powerful therapeutic benefits usually outweigh these temporary inconveniences.

Soft Shell vs. Hard Shell Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Comparison

Our Recommendation

When it comes to choosing between soft shell and hard shell hyperbaric oxygen therapy, it depends on what you’re looking to get out of it. If you’re dealing with more serious medical issues, hard shell chambers are usually the way to go.

You’ll typically find these in clinics or wellness centres, where trained professionals oversee your session. They run at higher pressures, which means they’re more powerful and can support a wider range of health concerns, from minor to more complex.

Soft shell chambers, on the other hand, are often seen as the more casual, beginner-friendly option. There isn’t a ton of clinical research backing their effectiveness for specific medical conditions, but they’re lightweight, portable, and easy to use—great for home setups or people who want a convenient way to dip their toes into HBOT.

If you’re thinking of starting HBOT at home, there are some great soft shell options worth checking out—like the S22 Soft Hyperbaric Chamber or the Access Soft Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber, both from Optimal Health. They’re portable, easy to set up, and perfect for anyone wanting to bring the benefits of HBOT into their everyday wellness routine.

That said, if you're looking for the most effective and reliable results, we’d recommend going with a hard shell chamber. It offers more controlled pressure, stronger therapeutic effects, and peace of mind knowing you're getting a treatment closer to what medical professionals trust.

Book a Consultation With Our Experienced Specialists

Whether you're just starting on a wellness journey or managing a medical condition, hyperbaric oxygen therapy offers real potential when delivered in the right way. Soft shell chambers are best for home use and general wellness, while hard shell chambers bring the precision needed for serious treatment.

Whether you're leaning toward a soft or hard shell chamber, the right choice comes down to your personal goals and health needs. Not sure where to start? Reach out to our team for expert guidance.